Reiham’s dad was also concerned that by wearing her hijab, Reiham would be putting herself at risk.

“My dad wanted me to take it off actually. He actually wanted me to take it off,” Reiham said. “I was like ‘I’m not going to take off my hijab or change who I am because of this.’ That just proves that they’re winning – whoever they are.”

Reiham was one of the many students who spoke to an audience of over 200 on Monday night to honor the lives of 23-year-old Deah Shaddy Barakat, 21-year-old Yusor Mohammad Abu-Salha and 19-year-old Razan Mohammad Abu-Salha who were killed on Feb. 10 in Chapel Hill.

UConn alumna and board member of the Muslim Coalition of Connecticut Rebecca Minor spoke at Monday night’s vigil to touch on the lessons that can be learned from the Chapel Hill killings. (Photo by Kaitlyn Carroll)